UpperTEA

After finishing a 5K with friends, we decided to reward ourselves—and Upper Tea delivered a post-run feast that left us stuffed. We came in with big appetites and even bigger expectations—and they were met. I ordered the beef sausage bowl with grits (for me), the catfish bowl with grits and eggs (for my husband), a side of smothered chicken, and French toast—because, why not indulge? My husband and I shared the chicken and French toast, and even after everyone dug in, we still left behind enough food to feed three to four people. The portions are no joke—come ready! The food? Flavor-packed. The catfish was a tad salty, but not enough to stop my husband from clearing his plate. The sausage was decent, but those grits—creamy, cheesy, and savory—were next-level good. The French toast had a perfectly crisp edge and just the right amount of sweetness. Every bite felt like comfort food elevated. Our drinks—both the tea special and a custom tea mix—were sweet at first, but after letting the ice melt a bit, they hit that perfect, refreshing balance. And let’s talk about service—Jeniyah (I hope I spelled her name right!) was an absolute gem. She was so sweet, constantly checked in on us, reassured us that our food was on the way, and apologized for the short wait—which, honestly, wasn’t bad at all considering how many of us there were. To top it all off, the chef came out to personally greet us and ask how everything tasted. That kind of hospitality goes a long way. The ambiance was charming and cozy, with vintage touches like an old-fashioned pay phone, record player, and classic tea sets that made the whole experience feel like a hidden gem. Now although you can dine-in, this is more pay for what you want at the register and everything comes in a To go bag at your table. I didn’t mind that because it made it easy for taking left over home but it didn’t seem very welcoming to sit and eat. Upper Tea isn’t just a meal—it’s a moment. From the grits to the heartfelt hospitality, this place is a must-visit. Bring your appetite and your friends—you’ll leave full in every sense of the word.

UpperTEA is an amazing little gem in the heart of Miami. From the moment you enter the space you know you are in for a treat. The atmosphere is really something special and you can feel the owners hospitality and charm as soon as you walk in. I also appreciated how so many different folks from all walks of life came in to patronize this business in just the short time I was there. It was definitely a place for ALL. From the different art prints on the walls to the shelves of mugs and plants to the adjacent wall full of apothecary jars filled with loose leaf tea and fixins. The place is oozing with personality and charm The customer service was excellent as well and I appreciated the young lady behind the counter giving us a second to review the menu before we ordered. She even let us sample the daily tea being offered and it was well worth the sip. Honestly, I would come back just for another cup. My party of three ordered the smothered bowls - two orders of smothered chicken and one order of smothered shrimp. We also ordered a pound cake slice and two of the daily teas. Lastly, we grabbed a chicken souse and grits to go. Everything was phenomenal. The flavor profile of the gravy on all the different smothered bowls was something to be studied. It was hearty yet light. Herbaceous and full of familiar flavors of the ancestors but with a more refined up to date taste. Definitely something everyone should try when they come. All in all, UpperTEA is well worth the visit and be sure to take something to go. You won't be disappointed.

Exceptional Southern Cuisine & Impeccable Service I ordered the shrimp and grits with a fried egg, accompanied by the flavored tea, and a side order of salmon croquette The dish was beautifully presented and exceeded expectations in both flavor and texture. The salmon croquette, added as a side, was perfectly crisp and well-seasoned—an excellent complement to the meal. My guest enjoyed the smothered chicken and grits, which were equally impressive: tender, flavorful, and generously portioned. Customer service was outstanding. I called ahead to confirm dine-in availability, and the staff member who answered was courteous, professional, and genuinely welcoming. Her warmth and humor added a personal touch that elevated the entire experience. This establishment delivers not only on taste but also on hospitality. A well-deserved five-star rating. I'll definitely be back.

I’ve been wanting to leave a review for this place ever since I saw so many food bloggers posting about it. But honestly, I don’t think they truly captured how special this restaurant is. It’s a Black-owned business, but I saw people from all walks of life enter the restaurant .Now the food? A solid 20 out of 10. The chicken souse and grits were so flavorful yet light on my stomach. Definitely very unique and delicious. The turnaround for our order was very fast, for food that good, I would’ve gladly waited longer if needed. The prices are very affordable too, which makes it even better. Plus, it’s right near the highway, so it’s easy to get to airport or anywhere for that matter . The ambiance is amazing, great place for photo ops, please give this place a try you won’t regret

Me and my fiance absolutely LOVED the food here!!! I would recommend anyone to come here!!! Great food and service was A+!!!

The Best African American "Black Soul Food ever" Taste like my Mama made it! There is NOT a better tasting breakfast place. I felt like I was back in my "hood" in Virginia. It's cooked from scratch so be patient and enjoy the music and artwork. We loved it. We will be back monthly.

Stopped in for the stuffed mango french toast and it was great. The catfish nuggets are also delicious and the service was on point and very sweet - it’s clear that they care about the customer experience. Also a nice soulful playlist if you dine in. Great place to come with a friend or even a small group. Support this business!

Absolutely love this place! Today I took my mom and toddler out for breakfast, and just like the last time, everything was amazing. The food was delicious, the restaurant was clean, and the environment was warm and welcoming. My toddler (who usually isn’t into fish) surprised me by loving the catfish nuggets! My mom was so impressed by the speedy service and especially excited about the thick-cut bacon—it reminded her of the kind her grandmother used to make, which brought back special memories. What stood out to me the most was the care the staff puts into everything. The chef even came out to check on us, just like they did during my first visit. That kind of personal touch really makes a difference. Oh, and the tea was super tasty, the music was just right, and the place smelled amazing. We’ll definitely be back again!